Friends Christmas!

My husband and I are blessed to have wonderful friends - on both sides, and what better time of year to be reminded of our luck! It's becoming a bit of a tradition to gather all the men and their wives and enjoy some very yummy food and some great company - and each year the honour of hosting the lovely bunch is passed on! This year, we stepped up to the plate, cleaned our house (or paid someone to do so!!) and brought the merry inside! Welcome to the 3rd Annual Christmas!

First comes the Turkey! I ordered a fresh turkey, but to my surprise - when I got home it was half frozen! Boycott Whitteveen Meat's at the St. Lawerence Market! I had to thaw it out a bit for two hours in cold water...then I was able to use the Cider-brine that I prepared a few days in advance, from a recipe from our trusty Bon Appetit November 2011 issue. (tip: clean and use a cooler and keep the bird in your garage to refrigerate).

Turkey patted dry with salt and pepper

Turkey about to go in the oven - breast side down....with cider and apples for basting juices! I combined a few tips from multiple recipes...also squished butter underneath the skin and put apples and onions inside the cavity for moisture during roasting.

Mid Roast!

The finished product! Success! 

The table is set - Dollarama styles!

And now...for the rest of the yummy food!

Stuffing - Sausage and exotic mushrooms (Chows)

Jalapeno stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon!

Water chestnuts wrapped in bacon - double yum! (M&I)

Shrimp spread (N&M)

Prosciutto and brussel sprouts (Junior)

Parisian Green beans - Parmesean and bread crumbs (M&C)

Salad with Persimmons (sp?) - such a great unique salad fruit! (M!)

 
        Sushi candy (rice crispy squares and fruit roll ups!) (M&I)

PRAIRIE GIRL CUPCAKES...the ultimate! (J&A)

Cheers to our great friends and a wonderful evening!